Fixed: EXE File Automatically Deleted in Windows 10

Why EXE file automatically deleted in Windows 10?

Some users have reported that their EXE files are being deleted automatically upon clicking, or disappearing immediately after downloading. This issue typically stems from two primary causes:

▶ The exe file was flagged and removed because it is an actual virus.

▶ Your antivirus software or Windows Defender suspected the file might be malicious.

From a security standpoint, exe files often raise red flags for Windows Defender and other antivirus programs. This is due to the fact that viruses and malware often embed their harmful code within executable files, triggering antivirus software to be on high alert.

Viruses pose serious threats, causing file corruption, data loss, and system damage. In severe cases, they may require manual removal through CMD if the user interface is compromised.

When an antivirus identifies a potential threat, it may quarantine the file or delete it outright.

In rare instances, permission issues or software glitches can also cause these deletions, though this is less common.

But what if you're confident that the EXE file is safe? Follow the steps below to prevent your antivirus from deleting trusted exe files and to recover those already removed.

How to fix EXE file automatically deleted in Windows 10/11

Having your exe files repeatedly removed can be frustrating, forcing users to constantly re-download them. However, there are steps you can take to prevent this.

Fix 1. Add the EXE file to the exclusion of Windows Defender

The first step is to review your antivirus settings. Let's use Windows Defender as an example. Windows Defender's "Virus & threat protection" feature is designed to safeguard your system from harmful files.

It scans your hard drive, isolating suspicious programs and file types. If you notice that Windows Defender is automatically deleting files, you can resolve the issue by adding an exclusion.

Note:
۰ Run a full scan beforehand to ensure your system is secure.
۰ Avoid adding the ".exe" extension to file-type exclusions, as this could expose your system to risks.

Step 1. Go to the Start Menu > Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Step 2. Scroll down to find "Virus & threat protection settings" and click on "Manage settings".

Step 3. Under the "Exclusions" section, select "Add or remove exclusions".

Step 4. Click "Add an exclusion" and choose to exclude the specific exe file, a folder, or a process. For instance, you could add the downloaded EXE file or the entire Downloads folder to the exclusion list.

By following these steps, you can prevent Windows from automatically deleting your exe files in the future.

Fix 2. Run the EXE as an administrator

As previously mentioned, permission conflicts can sometimes cause this issue. While running programs as an administrator can be risky because it grants full access to external software, which may not always be safe, it does serve a purpose.

Administrator privileges also help prevent accidental deletion of important files, reducing the risk of system damage.

However, if you're confident that the .exe file is safe, you can try running it with administrative privileges.

Note: Avoid logging in as an administrator for all tasks; instead, only run the specific program as an administrator when necessary.

Step 1. Navigate to the folder where the .exe file is saved (either the download folder or the root directory).

Step 2. Locate the .exe file.

Step 3. Right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator".

This method allows you to give the required permissions for running the program while maintaining the overall security of your system.

Fix 3. Uninstall the mal-functioned update

If you've noticed an exe file being automatically deleted after a Windows 10 update, the update itself could be the cause.

While updating Windows often improves performance, it can also introduce bugs or errors. It's not uncommon for users to find missing files after a Windows update.

If you're able to identify the update that triggered this issue, you can try uninstalling it to see if the antivirus continues to delete your EXE files.

Step 1. Open the Start Menu and navigate to Windows Settings > Update & Security.

Step 2. Click on "Windows Update" and then select "View update history".

Step 3. Next, click "Uninstall updates".

Step 4. Find the most recent update, right-click on it, and choose "Uninstall".

On the other hand, missing an important update that addresses bugs could also lead to problems. Check the Microsoft update page to see if there are any updates available that might fix the issue.

How to recover EXE file automatically deleted in Windows 10/11

After resolving the issue of exe files being automatically deleted in Windows 10, you may want to restore any removed files.

If you're using Windows Defender, check the protection history to see if the EXE file was quarantined. If it was, you can easily restore it from there.

If the file isn't in quarantine, how can you recover deleted files in Windows 10? Using a reliable data recovery tool is the best approach.

AOMEI FastRecovery can be an excellent solution. Developed by a team with over 10 years of experience, it features advanced scanning technologies and high security standards.

Key features of AOMEI FastRecovery:

※ 100% safe & secure: It provides a completely secure environment with SSL-protected payments.
※ User-friendly: Designed for all users, even without technical knowledge, with just several simple steps to recover data.
※ Versatile: Capable of handling various data loss scenarios, such as virus attacks, system crashes, accidental deletion, formatting, and even empty recycle bins.
※ Preserves original formats: It maintains the original file formats, names, and folder paths during the recovery process.
※ Broad compatibility: Supports Windows 11/10/8/7 and Windows Server versions, including 2016, 2019, and 2022.

With these features, AOMEI FastRecovery can help you safely and efficiently recover your deleted EXE files.

Now, follow the detailed steps provided to perform an effortless data recovery.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool starts to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first to find your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovery to end.

Conclusion

If you've found that the exe file is being deleted automatically in Windows 10, you can refer to this page for comprehensive solutions. In addition to adding exclusions, running programs as an administrator, and uninstalling updates, consider utilizing reliable data recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery to safely retrieve deleted files on your system.